'X Factor' canceled after three seasons

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. talent competition series "The X Factor" has been canceled after three seasons, the Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

The show's judge and producer Simon Cowell is to return to the original British version of the program in the fall, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Low ratings and Cowell's U.K. job commitment were to blame for the cancellation.

"To all of us at Fox, Simon is more than one of the most prolific TV personalities of our time -- he's part of our family. A consummate showman and partner, there's no one more passionate or creative than Simon, and we feel so fortunate to have enjoyed such a wonderful, collaborative relationship with him over the past 12 years," Fox entertainment chief Kevin Reilly said in a statement, referring to Cowell's previous tenure on "American Idol," as well as on "X Factor."

"Unfortunately, there is no 'X Factor USA' without Simon Cowell, but we understand and support his decision to focus on the international formats and on the next phase of his personal life. We wish him the very best, and it's our sincere hope that we work together again soon."

Cowell and his girlfriend are also expecting the birth of their first child together.